Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Champions League – Tuesday

Kevin De Bruyne stars but Sergio Aguero misfires as Man City are stretched for a change, while Harry Kane is at it again away from home.

Liverpool, however, are left to rue a night of wasted opportunities.

Here are the notes from the first batch of Matchday 2 Champions League fixtures.

Tough test for City, long night for Aguero

After a fortnight spent steamrolling lesser sides, Man City were given a much sterner test by Shakhtar Donetsk just when they needed it most.

Heavy league wins over the likes of Watford and Crystal Palace, and against Feyenoord in Europe, are all well and good, but the Ukrainians put in a performance much more in keeping with what Pep Guardiola’s team might expect to face when travelling to Chelsea on Saturday.

Shakhtar outplayed their hosts for much of the first half before goals from the excellent Kevin De Bruyne and substitute Raheem Sterling capped a much-improved showing from City after the break.

They could even afford to miss a penalty – Sergio Aguero the guilty party – as they made it seven straight wins and five clean sheets from six matches in all competitions.

The tireless De Bruyne scored his first goal of the season, smashing home after being fed by David Silva, before substitutes Bernardo Silva and Sterling combined to seal the win.

By then, the 27.3% of Fantasy Premier League managers who own Aguero might have been concerned less about their man missing a penalty than the fact that he had not long left the pitch.

The striker ended up playing 85 minutes, whereas his fellow forward Gabriel Jesus was subbed off after just 54 minutes.

Aguero has been bought by another 97,000+ new managers this week, whereas Jesus has been sold by more than 127,000.

Guardiola may well start both at Chelsea, with one of the pair perhaps withdrawn early. However, the doubt and anxiety is typical of what is to come throughout this period, with Man City juggling matches on two fronts.

It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that Aguero has struggled for pitch time for Argentina in recent months and is likely to earn far less minutes – if, indeed, any – over the upcoming international break. This could be a factor when Guardiola is considering his weekend line-up.

Elsewhere, the fact that the 4.2% owned Sterling was used only from the bench adds to Guardiola’s Stamford Bridge options. He scored his fourth goal in three matches when he came on – stating his case to make the starting line-up to face Chelsea.

Leroy Sane started back-to-back matches for the first time this season and was as dynamic as ever. But he was wasteful in front of goal and will be fearing for his starting berth on Saturday.

Second-guessing Guardiola’s intentions is always a risky business, although the 1.6% still holding on to injured defender Benjamin Mendy were at least given relatively definitive news by the manager post-match.

“Mendy is traveling to Barcelona and we will see what the problem is – our first impression is he will be out for longer than we thought. We will know more on Thursday. If he is out it will be like with Ilkay Gundogan and I will feel sad for him. He is a unique player with the joy he gives and it is a big setback. We will see in January whether we need to make a new signing.”

Midfielder Fabian Delph again deputised for Mendy and played well – great news for his footballing flexibility, but a non-starter from a Fantasy sense.

Who is a non-starter come Saturday evening is what will exercise our minds for the meantime.

Kane yet again

A Harry Kane hat-trick steered Spurs safely through what had the potential to be a bit of a Champions League banana skin in Cyprus.

The England striker made it nine goals for the season – seven of which have come in his last three matches on the road – as Spurs scored from their first three shots on target.

Assists in the 3-0 win came from Toby Alderweireld, Moussa Sissoko and Kieran Trippier.

Spurs travelled to Cyprus without key midfielder Christian Eriksen, who fell ill on Sunday.

There is no suggestion that the 26.2%-owned Dane won’t recover in time for the weekend trip to Huddersfield and, in fact, his FPL ownership will have welcomed his absence as their man had started seven of Spurs’ eight matches prior to last night’s fixture.

Others who took no part in Nicosia included Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen, who were both suspended for the clash.

That should leave a squad relatively fresh for Saturday lunchtime’s match at Huddersfield.

And in Kane (27.9%), they have a forward in consistently devastating away form.

Liverpool miss out in Moscow

Jurgen Klopp cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines as his Liverpool players dominated in Russia only to be held to a second consecutive Champions League draw.

The Reds out-shot their hosts 16-4 but had to make do with just the one goal, from the impressive Philippe Coutinho, for their efforts.

The Brazilian fired home after a neat one-two with Sadio Mane – a combination that can now be reunited in the league as the Senegal international has completed his three-match domestic ban.

Coutinho is already picking up plenty of new owners this week – 89,000 and counting – and he dropped back into the midfield three in Moscow as Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah took the forward roles.

All three were guilty of spurning excellent chances to turn their dominance into goals, and the continued woes of Firmino (25.5%) will be of particular concern to his FPL ownership.

The forward has now scored just the once since the Gameweek 3 mauling of Arsenal and continues to be the subject of heavy sales – 150,000+ making him the most sold player of Gameweek 7 to date.

The trip to Newcastle now looks vital for his Fantasy prospects. Blank again and Firmino will be tasked with break his dry spell in matches with Manchester United and Spurs, arguably the two most efficient defences in the league.

At the back, Trent Alexander-Arnold came in for the suspended Joe Gomez, with the latter likely to return for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, while left-back Alberto Moreno started in Moscow, which could open the way for Andrew Robertson to make his third league appearance at the weekend.

Klopp, meanwhile, surprised many by giving Loris Karius a run-out in goal and the keeper should probably have made a better job of keeping out the free-kick that handed Moscow an undeserved lead.

Simon Mignolet saved a penalty last time out in the league and it would be a major shock if he fails to return for the Tyneside trip.

882 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RabidImp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Putting this out there... Fabian Delph now worth a look at 4.5?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nope.

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Rotation

    3. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    4. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Rotation risk but looks like Mendy will miss at least several months so could potentially still be a good bargain for the price.

    5. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      hell no

    6. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      If he keeps banging in the odd goal, why not? As good a 5th midfielder as any.

    7. Athletic Bilbo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Not yet for me, but could be. Most 4.5's only contribute 2 or 3 points, Delph has shown the potential for attacking returns.

      Depends on Mendy's time out and whether he becomes a regular

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        It will be a waste of a City place

  2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    This is doing my head in!

    Pedro to Sigurdsson in Draft League? Yes or No

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    4. Deano
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    5. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No. Pedro is looking great - especially if he keeps getting game time. Everton still look awful - too many new players in that squad and they haven't clicked yet.

      I'd keep unless Pedro becomes a bigger rotation risk.

  3. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Should I WC…. Team A or B?;

    Current team (A) better midfield/defence:

    Foster - (Elliot)
    Alonso - Bavies - Mee - Naughton - (Rosenior)
    Eriksen - Salah - Mkhi - (Chalobah) (Carroll)
    Kane - Kun - Joselu

    £0.1ITB

    Poss WC team (B) allows big three upfront:

    Foster - (Elliot)
    Otamendi - Jones - Mee - (4.5) - (Mbemba)
    Mkhi/Silva - Coutinho - Ramsey - (Carroll) - (4.5)
    Kane - Kun - Morata

    £0.1 ITB

    Appreciate your thoughts.

  4. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    For one week only:

    A) Kun > Lukaku
    B) Kun > Lacazette
    C) Keep Kun?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku

  5. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Ronny looked like he had been told about a death in the family after bale scored last night

  6. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    G2G?

    Foster
    Davies, Jones, Hegazi
    Mkhi, Salah, Ritchie, Carroll
    Lukaku (c), Kane, Aguero

    (Elliot, Cedric, RLC, Mariappa)

    Cheers!

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Solid

    2. BigBarn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Play Cedric.

  7. InSaneMan-e
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Guys, I need some help please. 2FT and 0.2 ITB but I have no idea how to use it. Maybe simpson --> Holgate? If he starts. Carroll is controversial but for 5.9 surely worth holding onto for Swansea at home?

    Foster (elliot)
    Bdavies Kolasinac Naughton (Simpson) (TAA)
    Mkhi Salah Alli (Choupo)
    Kane Carroll Lukaku

    1. Athletic Bilbo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Not much I'd change, maybe TAA or mystery 5th mid. Looks good for this week, carry one transfer over. I'd keep the big 'un for this fixture

      1. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Haha. It's Carroll as mystery 5th mid

  8. Frasmac
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is now the right time to bring Hazard in or still too early?
    Cheers

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      too early

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd wait until he starts regularly

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'm bringing him in after this gw. With more international minutes he should come bach fitter

  9. Belalugozi78
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I have a question to those without Lukaku.... are you buying him for next week or Just pray and stick to those 3 you have now?
    I have Aguero-Kane - Morata and don't know If take him for one week only

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      stick if I were you

      1. Belalugozi78
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        That is reasonable but I'm afraid he does Palace Just the same he did to. Bournemouth last year... destroys them. I suppose 3 milion people will have him as captain

    2. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd stick with what you have.

    3. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Never got this one week only thing,nice on paper....so kaku gets a haul and you will transfer him out right after??

      1. Belalugozi78
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I do't want him Just Why i sold him and took Morata in wc but This next week is killing me

    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      haven't had all season and feel the only thing worse than that is selling him! not buying this gw, bed is made, will ride it out and hope sakho can do his job on the weekend then the tough fixtures after stall him. would personally do aguero to him if i had aguero and no other issues with the team.

      1. Belalugozi78
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This is my thought.. stick or Aguero to Lukaku This week and than probably vardy next. Don't have other issues but prefer 2ft in IB

    5. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      funnily enough i just sold him this week before the palace game , it was for the overall good of my team , so even if he scores big time this week i don't care cos long term i'm pretty confident i'll get the points back with interest

    6. Belalugozi78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all

  10. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I had fires to put out in my team going into this gameweek and I did a mini Wildcard with 2 FT and a hit.

    2 of the players I brought in to put out the fires - Chalobah and Mendy - then get season ending injuries straight away. Talk about your luck running.

    Anyway, I think I'm literally going to hobble on, patch together a team and then Wildcard in GW8.

    My question is.... Would you take a 1 gameweek punt that replaces:

    A) Mendy - this frees up more money and let's me get almost any defender

    B) Fraser - I will only be able to get a £5.8m midfielder but I will prevent a 0.1m drop in team value,

    So Mendy for the better punt or Fraser to protect TV going into a Wildcard?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Mendy to Bellerin could be big points

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Hmmm. Good shout. I already have Kola and the double up could really pay out.

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 6 months ago

        a

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Saving 0.1 no biggie for you?

      • moz_1983
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Defo Mendy. I'm thinking either Valencia or Kola given their home ties to weaker sides.

    3. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Who's WCing after this GW then?

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I am. 🙂

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Me

      3. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        yup

      4. alfast1c
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        no1, at least wait for int break.

        1. FPL ZB
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          AFTER this gw

          1. FF Dirtbag
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            ^^

            1. FF Dirtbag
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              It's more after this GW starts really.

      5. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        o/

      6. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        probably not, would only end up selling good players

      7. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        There is a swing in fixtures isn't there, specifically towards chelsea and city, Doos how do I get to your ticker? is it in the member's area?

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          No. I will email it to you. Windows or Mac?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            PS You were Boom Shakalala, were you not? otherwise, I will need your email address.

            1. FF Dirtbag
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Haha I wasn't boom shakalala! I'm windows, and email is: ryana58@hotmail.com

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Oh, Lord. I sent that!!! 😳

                Never mind - incoming.

                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Sent.

                  1. FF Dirtbag
                    • 12 Years
                    6 years, 6 months ago

                    Cheers Doos

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Is Pope an option now? How long is Heaton out? Rotates well with Heaton

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        ...

      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        only if he was 4.0 imo

      3. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Pope rotates incredibly well with Elliot. Looks like I will be getting him on my Wildcard next week.

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Better option?

      A) Walker

      B) Otamendi + 0.8m

      1. Lone Wolf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        A

    6. Pancake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wondering if getting Lazacette in for the next few games worth a -8 punt?

      1. Lone Wolf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        No

    7. nicholasporteous
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Any help would be great!

      Elliot (Fabianski)
      Davies Jones Kola (Otamendi Mbemba)
      DSilva Obiang Alli Davis (Gross)
      Kaku Kane Firmino

      2ft 0itb

      a) Hold onto what I have and waste a transfer
      b) Davies Alli Firmino => Morata Coutinho 4.6Def
      c) Any other suggestions?

      1. Lone Wolf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Downgrade one of your defs to 4.5 and upgrade one of that mids

    8. Lone Wolf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Fabianski, Elliot
      Alonso, Bavies, Naughton, Lowe, Mbemba
      Alli, Mahrez, Atsu, Carroll, RLC
      Morata, Lukaku, Aguero

      0.8 ITB and 1 FT. Looking for 1 week punt as WC next week.

      a) Lowe > Jones
      b) Morata > Lacazette
      c) Mahrez > Ramsey
      d) something else

    9. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku goal prediction vs CPL?

      A) 1
      B) Brace
      C) Hatty

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        D) blank. My god he has been lucky to score.

        1. boc610
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Ha lucky how??

      2. Delhidynamo
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        D

    10. alfast1c
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino+Caroll > Hemed+Sterling+0.2itb

      rest of team in link...

      YaY or NaY ?

      1. alfast1c
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        or 4.5m forward+ Silva?

    11. King K
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Mounie has been a wasting away on my bench(been busy with more important transfers) and now I'm looking to ship him off so what do you guys think of doing either:

      Mounie > Joselu
      Mounie > Abraham

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        i know he just got 8 points but you can't buy abraham now imo, have to wait and see if he can get his place back

        1. King K
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          The 8 points he got weren't even a motivating factor for me getting him. Got some good fixtures on the horizon, and the likelihood of him playing after having scored is probably higher now.

          But I was leaning towards Joselu against Liverpool's porous defense seeing that his SPG is up there with Aguero

    12. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      "So you sold lukaku before palace" helplines are now available

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        😆

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          6 years, 6 months ago

          "So Kaku isn't that explosive after all" helplines will be available after the match

      3. thomo107
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Kolasinac or Bellerin?

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I own Kola but think bellerin is equally good option. kola edges it

      4. HammersFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Michael Keane latest? Cant seem to find anything

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            6 years, 6 months ago

            We'll hear from Koeman before the Europa league fixture so we'll know if he's fit or not

        2. JCrosbie
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Anyone thinking of bringing Lukaku in for aguero for one week?

          I have no pressing issues 🙂

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            If wildcarding the following week, it's not a bad idea

            1. JCrosbie
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              I wont be WCing....

              1. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Oh I wouldnt then

          2. Delhidynamo
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            The hokey cokey leaves many with a bloody nose..

          3. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Not great for value of your squad

            1. JCrosbie
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Il lose 0.1mil

          4. @persecuted_by_mods
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Aguero doesn't have that bad of a record against Chelsea + since People came city have dominated the fixture (even if they didn't end up winning in the end)

            • Athletic Bilbo
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              No, I'll be firmly captaining Kane

          5. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            For the coming gameweek who you start from

            Fabianski (Swans unpredictable) or
            Elliott (Decent chance of some save points?!

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Flappyhandski

            2. Goonermeister
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              A) Morata + David Silva + Joeslu
              B) Jesus + Vardy + Atsu

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  A

                • King K
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  A

              2. The Big Fella
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                I have Forster and Elliot. Southampton's good fixtures continue for another 4-5gw yet but I am debating bringing in Pope for him so I have an extra 0.5m to play around with. Worth it or not?

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    6 years, 6 months ago

                    Keep Forster imo, as you said solid fixtures continue for a while

                2. TeddiPonza
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Play Mee (eve) or Lascelles (LIV) ?

                3. Kizza_10
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Would you rather:

                  A. Jesus out for Mortata (no Man City attack)

                  B. Alonso & Firmino out for Mortata & Otamendi (no Liverpool attack)

                4. RAFA THE GAFFA
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  What does Pogba come back?

                5. IRBOX ⚽
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Anyone else think Benteke could have scored just as many if not more than Lukaku if playing 9 in the United squad?

                  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    6 years, 6 months ago

                    Absolutely not. Several levels below.

                  2. @persecuted_by_mods
                      6 years, 6 months ago

                      Nope, do you?